FDA clears brain scan to diagnose ADHD in children

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Food and Drug Administration has approved the first medical scan that can help diagnosed attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in children by measuring brain waves.

The agency cleared the NEBA system to help confirm ADHD for people ages 6 to 17. Doctors can use the device to confirm an ADHD diagnosis or to determine if more testing is necessary.

The device, from Augusta, Ga.-based NEBA Health, measures the frequency of two standard brain waves known as theta and beta waves. Children with ADHD tend to have a higher ratio of these waves than children who don't have the disorder.

Estimates of ADHD in U.S. children vary, but the American Psychiatric Association states that it affects 3 to 7 percent of school-aged children.